Technology companies whose earnings disappoint investors are paying an unusually large toll this quarter, highlighting Wall Street’s high expectations for the sector at a time of uneven economic growth.

When it comes to pharmaceutical-sector deals, executives are split: Will activity increase by a little or a lot?Pharma companies spent a combined $211.7 billion on deals in the year’s first half, according to a Mergermarket Group report. Executives surveyed were unanimous in their belief deal volume will increase in the next year. About 64% of respondents predict deals will increase “somewhat,” while the remainder believes activity will jump “significantly.” The executives were more divided on the reasons why. The most popular one, cutting costs and tax rates, accounted for about a third of responses. Increasing demand in growth markets was a close second. Activist investors weren’t getting much due for the deal wave. “Shareholder pressure” accounted for just 8%.But as long as deals bump up share prices, executives aren’t likely to care who—or what—gets the credit.

Intraday Data provided by SIX Financial Information and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by SIX Financial Information. Intraday data delayed per exchange requirements. S&P/Dow Jones Indices (SM) from Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All quotes are in local exchange time. Real time last sale data provided by NASDAQ. More information on NASDAQ traded symbols and their current financial status. Intraday data delayed 15 minutes for Nasdaq, and 20 minutes for other exchanges. S&P/Dow Jones Indices (SM) from Dow Jones & Company, Inc. SEHK intraday data is provided by SIX Financial Information and is at least 60-minutes delayed. All quotes are in local exchange time.